China's manufacturing industry, a cornerstone of the nation's foreign trade, is poised to play a pivotal role in boosting exports during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), as the country intensifies efforts to advance high-quality trade development. This momentum is particularly evident in sectors like heavy machinery, where technological upgrades and market expansion are driving remarkable growth.
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), China's foreign trade surged to $6.16 trillion in 2024, with the manufacturing industry serving as a key engine. The heavy machinery sector, in particular, has showcased strong resilience, with products like crushers gaining traction in global markets. These crushers, once known for basic functionality, now boast enhanced technological content—from energy-efficient designs to intelligent operation systems—meeting the stringent demands of emerging economies in Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond.
"Chinese manufacturers in heavy machinery have accelerated transformation, focusing on both product upgrading and market diversification," said an official from the Ministry of Commerce, echoing Commerce Minister Wang Wentao's remarks on exporters' adaptability. Take the crusher industry as an example: leading enterprises have not only improved product performance but also expanded through new channels, such as cross-border e-commerce platforms and participation in international construction projects, which has significantly boosted their export volumes.
This growth is underpinned by China's robust foreign trade-related production and supply chains. For heavy machinery producers, the complete and flexible supply chains ensure timely delivery of crushers and other equipment, even amid global uncertainties. This efficiency has reinforced the country's position as a reliable source for high-quality heavy machinery, supporting sustained growth in foreign trade.
The deepening of high-standard free trade agreements has further fueled the sector's expansion. With the completion of negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement earlier this year, tariffs on many heavy machinery products, including crushers, have been reduced, lowering trade barriers and facilitating access to the ASEAN market—a region with booming infrastructure development needs.
Foreign investment has also played a role in upgrading the manufacturing industry. Many foreign-invested enterprises in the heavy machinery sector have increased investment in China, collaborating with local firms to develop advanced crushers and other equipment. This not only enhances the technological level of China's heavy machinery products but also integrates them more closely into global industrial chains, contributing to the stability and growth of foreign trade.
As China sets its sights on the 15th Five-Year Plan, the manufacturing industry, especially the heavy machinery segment, is expected to continue driving export growth. With ongoing efforts to boost innovation, expand into new markets, and strengthen international cooperation, products like crushers will remain key players in China's high-quality foreign trade development, embodying the country's commitment to an open and mutually beneficial global trading landscape.
——Reference: China Daily